John Robert Sullivan Jr.

John Robert Sullivan March 30, 1956 – April 10, 2025 Raleigh, North Carolina
With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected but peaceful passing of John Robert Sullivan Jr., age 69, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on March 30, 1956, in Yonkers, New York, John lived a life marked by unwavering loyalty, deep compassion, fierce individuality, and a signature wit that could light up any room-or disarm it.
John lived with a strong sense of self-he knew who he was, what he stood for, and never compromised his values. He was unapologetically authentic, unafraid to speak the truth, and always stood firm in his convictions. That confidence made him a rock for those around him, and a source of wisdom, guidance, and frequent hilarity. Known for being "fluent in sarcasm" and "brutally honest whether you asked or not," John had a presence that was impossible to ignore.
Before beginning his civilian career, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Radio Operator aboard the USS Tullibee out of Groton, Connecticut. His military service helped shape the no-nonsense demeanor and strong sense of duty that would define much of his life.
John began his education at Saunders Technical School in Yonkers and went on to study Respiratory Therapy at Hudson Valley Community College. His career path was varied and committed-he worked as a tractor trailer and ambulette driver and home care for Miriam Graves and Lincare. He found his calling as a respiratory therapist and served patients with dedication at WakeMed and Nash General hospitals in North Carolina.
Family was always at the heart of John's world. He is survived by his siblings Dianne Bolza, Warren Sullivan, and Edward Sullivan; his beloved children Jennifer Sullivan Lemay (Kyle), John Robert Sullivan III (Rebecca), Kyle Sullivan (Morgan), and Matthew Sullivan; and his cherished grandchildren KayLee, JR, Maxwell, Rebecca, and Georgia. John held a special place in his heart for his niece, Tricia Grauert, with whom he shared a deep and unbreakable bond.
John cherished his extended family deeply. His cousins, nieces, and nephews were a constant source of joy and pride in his life. Whether offering advice, sharing a sarcastic one-liner, lending a helping hand, or simply showing up when it mattered most, John was a steady presence-always someone who could be counted on. His impact on their lives will be felt for generations, carried on through stories, laughter, and the values he passed down. His was a life well-lived-and a presence that can never be replaced.
He is reunited in peace with his parents, Doris and Robert Sullivan; his sister, Kathleen McCabe; and his beloved husband and partner in both life and rescue, Michael Outen.
John's life was also defined by his tireless advocacy for animals, especially cats. As the co-founder of Meow House Cat Rescue, alongside Michael, John transformed their shared passion into a sanctuary for the abandoned, injured, and forgotten. Whether he was bottle-feeding orphaned kittens at dawn, capturing strays or organizing adoption events, John never turned away an animal in need. At one point, their home lovingly housed over 130 cats, and though it was hard for him to say goodbye, he found peace in knowing they were going to "furrever" homes.
John was also an incredibly skilled handyman-able to fix just about anything with his hands, a toolbox, and a little ingenuity. Whether it was building custom cat enclosures, decks, rewiring a kitchen, or repairing a leaky pipe, John spent countless hours designing, repairing, upgrading, and improving not only his own home but the homes of those he loved. He had a deep love for Christmas-so much so that he was known to sing Christmas songs loudly and proudly in the middle of July and left his Christmas Village up year-round.
His home was always open-to strays (both feline and human), to family, and to anyone in need of kindness or a helping hand. John's legacy will live on in every purr, every life he helped save, and every light fixture that still works because he made sure of it.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's memory to Meow House Cat Rescue, so that his rescue work may continue: https://www.meowhousecatrescue.com
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Further details will be shared with family and friends in the coming weeks.